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A committee from Russia has studied details of a partnership between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia on supplying fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi 57 (Su-57) to the Indian Air Force, with a quotation from the Russian side being awaited about the investment, the HAL Chairman & Managing Director, DK Sunil, said on Thursday.
In an interview with ANI, the HAL CMD said, "I think presentations have been made regarding the Su-57 to the Air Force team by the Russian team regarding the capabilities of the aircraft. We have had one estimation of the capacity of our plants for the Russian equipment. A committee of Russians has also studied and said that roughly 50 per cent of the facilities can be used for producing this aircraft, but some new investments will be required." He told ANI, "We are awaiting the Russian quotation about the investment. Then we will approach the Air Force that these are the kind of numbers required to produce these aircraft and these are the timelines." The longstanding and wide-ranging military technical cooperation between India and Russia has evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defence technologies and systems, the Ministry of External Affairs noted in a brief. It highlighted how Russia is also an important source for the supply of defence equipment, engines, spare parts and components. Several defence platforms are also assembled/produced in India such as T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Both sides have also been exploring co-development and co-production of defence equipment and platforms, including the possibility of export to other countries such as the Brahmos system, the MEA statement noted. As per a Joint Statement following the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit that took place in December 2025 during Russian President Vladimir Putin's State visit to India reflected this. "Both sides agreed to encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for maintenance of Russian origin arms and defence equipment under Make-in-India program through transfer of technology and setting up of joint ventures for meeting the needs of the Indian Armed Forces as well as subsequent export to mutually friendly third countries", the joint statement read. Russia had previously assured its support to India's future fighter aircraft requirements stating that it is willing to offer technology transfer for Su-57 fifth generation stealth fighter without restrictions, adding that any demand by the Indian side is "completely acceptable." On the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show 2025 in November last year, Sergey Chemezov, the CEO of Russian government-owned defence conglomerate Rostec, had underlined the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries. He had told ANI, "India and Russia have been partners for many years. Even when India was under sanctions, we supplied the country with weapons to ensure its security." The Rostec CEO said, "Today, we continue the same approach as in previous years, supplying India with whatever military equipment it needs and ensuring our mutual interests in developing cooperation."Chemezov also said Russia remains open to any new requirements from New Delhi. When asked about possible requests for more S-400 systems or the Su-57, he told ANI, "We have strong relations with India, and whatever India requires, we are here to support." Vadim Badekha, the Director General of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a Rostec's subsidiary, confirmed that Indian concerns and technical demands related to the Su-57 have been viewed positively. Responding to ANI, he said all demands from the Indian side regarding the Su-57 are "completely acceptable" and that they are "deeply" in touch with Indian officials. (ANI)
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